It’s time for Washington to step up in the U.S. and be an example. In a country depending on oil and coal for energy, we are literally trashing the world to live with electricity.

Global-warming increases, polluted waters and smog aren’t worth it, especially when there is a better alternative. It’s time for Washington to go solar.

Many still think solar isn’t the way to go: “the Pacific Northwest gets no sun — why would we go solar?”

Actually, Western Washington gets 30 percent more sun than Germany, the world’s leader in solar energy. Across the Cascades, it’s even more.

Other opponents of solar energy argue it’s too spendy. But compared to all the costs involved with coal and gas, is it really?

If we were to place 650,000 solar rooftops in Washington by 2025, we could prevent the pollution from 460,000 cars. We could create thousands of jobs, and bring capital back to our economy. We could endorse a form of energy that is — literally — in our backyard. We could start a movement.

If you agree with the future of solar energy in Washington, call your state representative and tell them to go solar.

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